Closure plug for a collector of a refrigerant circuit

Abstract

A closure plug for a collector of a refrigerant circuit with a substantially cylindrical base body with a circumferential wall, wherein a first circumferential groove, in which an O-ring is arranged, is provided in the circumferential wall, wherein an elastomer ring is injection molded onto the circumferential wall at an axial distance from the first circumferential groove.

Description

[0001]This nonprovisional application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(a) to German Patent Application No. 10 2020 215 372.8, which was filed in Germany on Dec. 4, 2020, and which is herein incorporated by reference.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONField of the Invention[0002]The present invention relates to a closure plug for a collector of a refrigerant circuit, in particular a collector of a condenser of a refrigerant circuit.Description of the Background Art[0003]Cooling circuits in which a collector is provided which temporarily stores refrigerants are known for motor vehicles. Collectors of this kind that are integrated in a condenser are also known, wherein the refrigerant typically flows between the desuperheating region and condensation region of the condenser and the subcooling region of the condenser into the collector interposed there fluidically in order to also undergo a liquid-gas separation in addition to the intermediate storage of refrigerants. In this case, essenti...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention aims to provide an improved closure plug for a collector, which is simplified in production and assembly. The closure plug has a cylindrical base body with a circumferential wall, and a first circumferential groove in which an O-ring is arranged. An elastomer ring is injection molded onto the circumferential wall at an axial distance from the first circumferential groove. This solution prevents a reliable seal against the penetration of media from the outside, but avoids the costly and time-consuming assembly of two O-rings. Instead, the molded-on elastomer ring engages in a second circumferential groove, which promotes its stability and attachment. This results in a better tightness of the closure plug inserted in the collector, which is achievable in the long term.

Problems solved by technology

The closure plug has the disadvantage that although the O-ring seals the interior of the collector, the O-ring, sealing the interior, and parts of the closure plug are nevertheless exposed from the outside to media that can cause or promote contamination and / or corrosion of the O-ring, the closure plug, and / or the wall of the collector, such as, for example, dirt, salt, and / or water, etc.

This proves to be disadvantageous, especially since if the O-ring is heavily soiled, its sealing capabilities can also be impaired.

However, this has the disadvantage that two O-rings are required, which increases the costs, and that these two O-rings must be installed individually and correctly placed, which increases the installation effort and thus also the installation costs and increases the risk of incorrect installation, which could negatively affect functionality.

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